Fellow - Pacific Drought Knowledge Exchange (PDKE)

The East-West Center is accepting applications for a limited, one-year appointment (with possibility of extension) for a Fellow within the Research Program. The Research Fellow will be engaged in activities described under several programs and supporting the work of the Pacific Drought Knowledge Exchange (PDKE). Working with a team of interdisciplinary and interinstitutional researchers, the incumbent will have an opportunity to help raise awareness, improve resilience, and build adaptative capacities to observed and projected changes in climate in Hawai‘i and the United States Affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI). The incumbent will join a community of collaborators including in the Center’s Hawai‘i and Washington D.C. locations, creating imaginative, transdisciplinary projects in pursuit of new knowledge and insights into the complex systems that matter most for science and society in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.

MAJOR DUTIES:

• Conduct a scientific literature review on participatory climate change scenario planning.
• Explore how participatory climate change scenario planning can be used to inform management plans and how this information can be incorporated into custom climate portfolios produced by the PDKE team.
• Conduct a scientific literature review of how climate is affecting the long-term viability of traditionally reliable food sources (i.e. canoe plants) considering a rapidly changing climate
• Analyze the effects of short-term climate variability and how it affects relative abundance of food sources and various aspects of (e.g., timing of planting and harvesting, need for irrigation, etc.).
• Work with local partners in Hawai‘i, Guam, and American Sāmoa to develop knowledge products including factsheets using a proven co-production approach.
• Present research findings at workshops and other outreach and communication activities designed to disseminate project findings to multiple audiences and other research teams.
• Inter-island and/or regional travel to meet with project stakeholders or to present research findings.
• Assist in the development of technical reports and scientific peer reviewed journal articles.
• Assist the PDKE team on program operations on other synergistic activities.
• Attend weekly meetings with the PDKE stewardship team.
• Assist when needed in the coordination of weekly, quarterly, and annual meetings with PDKE Stewardship team, Steering Committee and Advisory Council.
• Set up meeting polls and coordinate meetings with project stakeholders.

This list of major duties is not exhaustive and may be supplemented on an occasional basis in accordance with the requirements of the job.

SUPERVISION:  This position works under the general supervision of Research Fellow and Principal Investigator Ryan Longman.  The supervisor makes assignments by defining objectives, priorities, and deadlines.  The employee works independently, using a general understanding of the expected outcomes and the scope of the assignments, and draws upon experience in resolving the more difficult situations that occasionally arise.  The work is reviewed for technical accuracy, soundness of judgment, and adherence to established requirements and objectives.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education & Experience – Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in a field related to environmental science, climate science, geography, urban and regional planning, or other relevant discipline. Ability to conduct high level scientific research including a synthesis of academic journal articles and reports, as well as a good understanding of descriptive statistics and a strong desire to do meaningful work in Hawai‘i and the USAPI.

Communication – Possesses strong written and verbal English communication skills and can effectively speak and interact with people of diverse backgrounds and abilities in person, on the phone, and in digital environments.

Demonstrated Ability – Able to organize, prioritize and coordinate work involving a wide variety of tasks; to take initiative and work independently and cooperatively in following through on assignments; to integrate information from relevant sources; to gather and/or prepare background materials; to commit to diversity, equity, and inclusion; to work and deal effectively with people of diverse cultural backgrounds; to work under the pressure of deadlines and competing demands; to acquire and maintain knowledge of and appropriately apply various policies and procedures; to establish and maintain accurate files and records; to adapt to changes and exercise good judgment in dealing with a variety of situations; to perform effectively in a non-routine work environment; to appropriately handle confidential information; and to find appropriate ways of effectively managing resources.

Knowledge – Of office practices and procedures; of correct English grammar, punctuation, spelling, and word usage; and of office machines and equipment; proficiency in computer programs (such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional and other equivalent applications), virtual meeting platforms (e.g. Zoom, Skype, Microsoft Teams).

Physical Requirements – Able to sit, walk or stand for extended periods of time; dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, operate standard office equipment, and use a phone; see and read a computer screen and printed matter with or without vision aids; read and understand rules and policies, labels, and instructions; and to hear, speak and understand speech at normal levels and on the telephone.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: Experience with ArcGIS software or related geospatial mapping tools and familiarity with a least one programming syntax language (e.g., R, Python, MATLAB, etc.). Experience with science communication and website design are desireable. Experience working in Hawaiʻi or the USAPI.

SALARY: $82,371.96 per year which includes a cost-of-living allowance (COLA) currently at 8.90% (subject to change annually) and an attractive total compensation package.

WHO MAY APPLY:  All persons who meet qualification requirements.

HOW TO APPLY:  Submit an electronic application at APPLY FOR THIS JOB NOW. Application information should include a cover letter with position title and a statement addressing how the qualifications are met, a resume, and names and addresses of three professional references. Screening and assessment will be based on the materials submitted.

An Equal Opportunity Employer/Vet/Disabled

As required under Title IX, the East-West Center does not discriminate on the basis of sex in the educational programs or activities it operates, including admissions and employment.

This is a full-time position